Tag Archives: Lightning McQueen

Going Back in Time to Move Forward

Disney’s animation movie Cars premiered at Lowe’s Motor Speedway on May 26th of 2006.  Lightning McQueen, the star and voice of Owen Wilson, illustrates what happens when an individual seeks to do whatever it takes to reach the top of their profession, the Piston Cup for McQueen, whatever the cost.  Just before reaching his goal, Lightning accidentally stumbles upon Radiator Springs, a once booming town on Route 66.  Forced to fix a portion of the road he destroyed, McQueen is taught a series of life lessons before moving on to his final race of the season.

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing, 1 Thessalonians 5:11.

Over the weekend, I spent a portion of 4th of July weekend in Amish country.  Spending the night at a bed and breakfast, I felt like I was transported back in time to life without technology.  There was no television, internet or bars to make a call.  Instead, there were books, nature and others to converse with.  Spoiled by distractions in life, it became painfully clear during my visit that my communication skills have deteriorated.  Tuning out others with technology had become a way of life for me, a misguided attempt to hide my inadequacies.  Thus, going back in time has created a thirst for conversations in the future.

And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone, 1 Thessalonians 5:14.

Today, emails, Facebook and Twitter are flawed forms of communication.  While you may be able to express what you feel or think, often this form of expression is self-centered, void of any genuine face to face interaction.  Although emails may be convenient, they are superficial, not offering time for questions and answers like good old fashion meetings.  Perhaps, this generation has become too dependent on technology.  Sure, any information you desire is only a click away, but people are what makes the world go round.  Therefore, everyone needs time to get away, slow down and cruise the streets of a real life Radiator Springs.  Only when you go back in time for some rest and relaxation will you be ready to move forward.

by Jay Mankus

America’s Dying Small Towns

As I was driving to Florida for Spring Break with my family, I was reminded of a scene from the movie Cars.  Sally was cruisizing the countryside with Lightning McQueen when his eyes were opened to the beauty of Route 66.   Awestruck, Lightning asks Sally why he’s never heard of this place.  Unfortunately, the completion of Interstate 40 bypassed this scenic overlook to save 10 minutes of driving time.  Thus, the same story holds true for many small towns in America, on the verge of extinction.

While searching for a place to eat, fuel and rest for the night, I stumbled upon several vacant towns along I 95.  Hotels were boarded up, gas stations closed and the majority of folks abandoned these once bustling areas.  If vacations don’t stop citizens from slowing down to enjoy God’s creation, Psalm 46:10, several small towns will be forgotten, fading away from our memories.  My wife’s words cut like a knife, “how can a hotel survive with only a few cars in the parking lot?”  She answered her own question; they can’t!

When I return home tomorrow, I will bring a new appreciation for the back roads of America, trying to support mom and pop businesses as much as I can.  By doing so, you are keeping alive someone’s dream as you savor a moment in time.  Life is too precious to be in hurry, rush through traffic or snarf down another meal.  May you and I remember the lesson of  this Disney’s movie, taking each journey one drive at a time.  Perhaps, these efforts might save a dying town in your neck of the woods.

Are there any small towns you like to frequent? If so, let my audience know.

by Jay Mankus